Popular Victorian Lapdogs

By the 1800s, lapdogs had long been synonymous with ladies of fashion. Victorian women favored short-hair "toy" breeds because they could be taken everywhere and didn't shed on furniture or clothing. According to Victoriana.com, popular dogs of the time were the Yorkshire terrier, Skye terrier, Schipperke, Maltese, King Charles Cavalier, Blenheim spaniel, Pug, and Greyhound toy. Lapdogs were treated as almost an extension of a ladies clothing and were treated as a well-maintained accessory. The Victorian lapdog's diet was strict and extravagant and its coat groomed several times a day. Devoted owners even had pictures taken of them, which was quite an expense at the time. I've posted a few of my favorites below. Enjoy!



Woman with a Pekinese, 1908.



Daguerrotype of a lapdog (above) and greeting card (below) from AntiquePooch.com



Caption: "Wee Willie Winkie."